Nighttime home break-ins concern Hanover investigators

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Nighttime home break-ins concern Hanover investigators

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -Monday afternoon the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest in connection to one of the break-ins that occurred at night, over the weekend.

Earlier Monday the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning and reminders after three nighttime home break-ins in three different neighborhoods.

Hanover investigators arrested Mark F. Vaden, 53, of the 9100 block of Fetlock Drive in Mechanicsville, in connection to one of these break-ins, which occurred this past weekend in the Fox Head subdivision. The investigation is ongoing and it is not yet clear if Vaden is responsible for two similar break-ins in the Milestone and Royal Glen neighborhoods.

Vaden has been charged with one count of burglary, which is a felony. He is being held at Pamunkey Regional Jail in Hanover County without bond and is scheduled to appear for an arraignment in Hanover General District Court at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. A mug shot will be provided when it is available.

Investigators say since August, thieves have broken into homes in the Royal Glen, Milestone, and Fox Head subdivisions. No one has been hurt in any of the break-ins.

In two of the three home break-ins, investigators says thieves entered through open or unlocked doors.

“Never leave exterior windows and doors (including garages) unlocked or opened,” the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office wrote in an email. “Ensure there is adequate lighting around your home and that all foliage against the house is well trimmed so that it cannot be used by criminals to conceal themselves.”

Anyone with information about the home break-ins is asked to call the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Investigators also reminded neighbors to “report all suspicious or criminal activity immediately” and “utilize all deadbolts and alarm systems.”